THE Brisbane Lions have fallen just short of pulling off a major early-season upset, going down to reigning AFLW powerhouse North Melbourne by 11 points at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday night.
In Brisbane’s first home game of the season, the Lions pushed the Kangaroos all the way in a high-quality Round 2 contest at Springfield, before North steadied late to prevail 44-33.
The victory extended North Melbourne’s extraordinary winning streak to 29 games, but Brisbane came within three points at the final change after producing a stirring second-half comeback.
North controlled much of the opening half, using its strength around the contest to lock the ball inside its attacking half and keep Brisbane goalless.
North Melbourne’s midfield stars were dominant, led by ball magnet Ash Riddell, who produced an extraordinary 42-disposal performance made up of 24 kicks and 18 handballs, along with five clearances.
Jasmine Garner was equally influential with 31 disposals, including 22 kicks, nine handballs and a goal, while Erika O’Shea collected 25 touches.
But Brisbane refused to go quietly.
The Lions emerged from halftime with renewed intensity and turned the contest on its head during a thrilling third quarter.
Ruby Svarc kicked Brisbane’s first goal five minutes into the term before sister Catherine produced a momentum-changing rundown tackle on North defender Jasmine Ferguson.
The pressure helped create another Lions goal through Irish star Orla O’Dwyer before Ruby Svarc struck again to suddenly have the home side within three points.
Svarc finished with two majors from 14 disposals, while O’Dwyer was one of Brisbane’s best with 20 touches, nine tackles and a goal.
Sophie Conway and Rania Crozier also hit the scoreboard as Brisbane found several avenues to goal during its comeback.
Captain Breanna Koenen battled hard with 18 disposals and five tackles, while trusted defender Shannon Campbell collected 13 touches.
The Lions also worked tirelessly without the ball, with Catherine Svarc laying a game-high 12 tackles and O’Dwyer adding nine.
With the home crowd sensing an upset heading into the final quarter, Brisbane had all the momentum.
But North showed why it has become the competition’s benchmark.
Despite the defeat, Brisbane could take plenty from a performance that showed it can match the reigning powerhouse at its best.
Things do not get any easier for Brisbane, with the Lions travelling to Casey Fields to face Melbourne on Sunday.
